Long COVID in cancer patients: preponderance of symptoms in majority of patients over long time period

Background

An increasing number of observational studies have reported the persistence of symptoms following recovery from acute COVID-19 disease in non-cancer patients. The long-term consequences of COVID-19 are not fully understood particularly in the cancer patient population. The purpose of this study is to assess post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) in cancer patients following acute COVID-19 recovery.

Methods

We identified cancer patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center who were diagnosed with COVID-19 disease between March 1, 2020, and September 1, 2020, and followed them till May 2021. To assess PASC, we collected patients reported outcomes through questionnaires that were sent to patients daily for 14 days after COVID-19 diagnosis then weekly for 3 months, and then monthly thereafter. We also reviewed patients' electronic medical records to capture the persistence or emergence of new COVID19-related symptoms reported during any clinic or hospital encounter beyond 30 days of the acute illness and up to 14 months.

Results

We included 312 cancer patients with a median age of 57 years (18-86). The majority of patients had solid tumors (75%). Of the 312 patients, 188 (60%) reported long COVID-19 symptoms with a median duration of 7 months and up to 14 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. The most common symptoms reported included fatigue (82%), sleep disturbances (78%), myalgias (67%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (61%), followed by headache, altered smell or taste, dyspnea (47%), and cough (46%). A higher number of females reported a persistence of symptoms compared to males (63% vs. 37%; p=0.036). Cancer type, neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, and hospital admission during acute COVID-19 disease were comparable in both groups. Among the 188 patients with PASC, only 16 (8.5%) were re-admitted for COVID-related reasons.

Conclusions

More than one out of two cancer patients, and more likely females, report PASC that may persist beyond 6 months and even 1 year. The most common symptoms are non-respiratory and consist of fatigue, sleep disturbance, myalgia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Most of the cancer patients with PASC were managed on outpatient basis with only 8.5% requiring a COVID-19-related re-admission.

Funding

This research is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute under award number P30CA016672, which supports the MD Anderson Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, and interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication.

International multicenter study comparing COVID-19 in patients with cancer to patients without cancer: Impact of risk factors and treatment modalities on survivorship

Background

In this international multicenter study, we aimed to determine the independent risk factors associated with increased 30 day mortality and the impact of cancer and novel treatment modalities in a large group of patients with and without cancer with COVID-19 from multiple countries.

Methods

We retrospectively collected de-identified data on a cohort of patients with and without cancer diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and November 2020 from 16 international centers.

Results

We analyzed 3966 COVID-19 confirmed patients, 1115 with cancer and 2851 without cancer patients. Patients with cancer were more likely to be pancytopenic and have a smoking history, pulmonary disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and corticosteroid use in the preceding 2 wk (p≤0.01). In addition, they were more likely to present with higher inflammatory biomarkers (D-dimer, ferritin, and procalcitonin) but were less likely to present with clinical symptoms (p≤0.01). By country-adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses, cancer was not found to be an independent risk factor for 30 day mortality (p=0.18), whereas lymphopenia was independently associated with increased mortality in all patients and in patients with cancer. Older age (≥65y) was the strongest predictor of 30 day mortality in all patients (OR = 4.47, p<0.0001). Remdesivir was the only therapeutic agent independently associated with decreased 30 day mortality (OR = 0.64, p=0.036). Among patients on low-flow oxygen at admission, patients who received remdesivir had a lower 30 day mortality rate than those who did not (5.9 vs 17.6%; p=0.03).

Conclusions

Increased 30 day all-cause mortality from COVID-19 was not independently associated with cancer but was independently associated with lymphopenia often observed in hematolgic malignancy. Remdesivir, particularly in patients with cancer receiving low-flow oxygen, can reduce 30 day all-cause mortality.

Funding

National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health.

International Multicenter Study Comparing Cancer to Non-Cancer Patients with COVID-19: Impact of Risk Factors and Treatment Modalities on Survivorship

Background

In this international multicenter study we aimed to determine the independent risk factors associated with increased 30-day mortality and the impact of novel treatment modalities in a large group of cancer and non-cancer patients with COVID-19 from multiple countries.

Methods

We retrospectively collected de-identified data on a cohort of cancer and non-cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and November 2020, from 16 international centers.

Results

We analyzed 3966 COVID-19 confirmed patients, 1115 cancer and 2851 non-cancer patients. Cancer patients were more likely to be pancytopenic, and have a smoking history, pulmonary disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and corticosteroid use in the preceding two weeks (p≤0.01). In addition, they were more likely to present with higher inflammatory biomarkers (D-dimer, ferritin and procalcitonin), but were less likely to present with clinical symptoms (p≤0.01). By multivariable logistic regression analysis, cancer was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.07; p=0.035). Older age (≥65 years) was the strongest predictor of 30-day mortality in all patients (OR 4.55; 95% CI 3.34 to6.20; p< 0.0001). Remdesivir was the only therapeutic agent independently associated with decreased 30-day mortality (OR 0.58; CI 0.39-0.88; p=0.009). Among patients on low-flow oxygen at admission, patients who received remdesivir had a lower 30-day mortality rate than those who did not (5.9% vs 17.6%; p=0.03).

Conclusions

Cancer is an independent risk factor for increased 30-day all-cause mortality from COVID-19. Remdesivir, particularly in patients receiving low-flow oxygen, can reduce 30-day all-cause mortality.

Condensed Abstract

In this large multicenter worldwide study of 4015 patients with COVID-19 that included 1115 patients with cancer, we found that cancer is an independent risk factor for increased 30-day all-cause mortality. Remdesivir is a promising treatment modality to reduce 30-day all-cause mortality.

Procalcitonin for antimicrobial stewardship among cancer patients admitted with COVID-19

Background

Procalcitonin (PCT) has been used to guide antibiotic therapy in bacterial infections. We aimed to determine the role of PCT in decreasing the duration of empiric antibiotic therapy among cancer patients admitted with COVID-19.

Methods

This retrospective study included cancer patients admitted to our institution for COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and June 28, 2021, with a PCT test done within 72 hr after admission. Patients were divided into two groups: PCT <0.25 ng/ml and PCT ≥0.25 ng/ml. We assessed pertinent cultures, antibacterial use, and duration of empiric antibacterial therapy.

Results

The study included 530 patients (median age, 62 years [range, 13-91]). All the patients had ≥1 culture test within 7 days following admission. Patients with PCT <0.25 ng/ml were less likely to have a positive culture than were those with PCT ≥0.25 ng/ml (6% [20/358] vs. 17% [30/172]; p<0.0001). PCT <0.25 ng/ml had a high negative predictive value for bacteremia and 30 day mortality. Patients with PCT <0.25 ng/ml were less likely to receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics for >72 hr than were patients with PCT ≥0.25 ng/ml (45% [162/358] vs. 69% [119/172]; p<0.0001). Among patients with PCT <0.25 ng/ml and negative cultures, 30 day mortality was similar between those who received IV antibiotics for ≥72 hr and those who received IV antibiotics for shorter durations (2% [2/111] vs. 3% [5/176], p=0.71).

Conclusions

Among cancer patients with COVID-19, PCT level <0.25 ng/ml is associated with lower likelihood of bacterial co-infection and greater likelihood of a shorter antibiotic course. In patients with PCT level <0.25 ng/ml and negative cultures, an antibiotic course of >72 hr may not be necessary. PCT could be useful in enhancing antimicrobial stewardship in cancer patients with COVID-19.

Funding

This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute under award number P30CA016672, which supports MD Anderson Cancer Center's Clinical Trials Office.

293. Lung Cancer and Hematologic Malignancy ( HM) Patients Are Associated with the Highest Risk of Progressing to Severe Disease and Mortality in Cancer Patients with COVID-19

Background

Several studies have shown that underlying cancer is a risk factor for progression of COVID-19 to severe illness and fatal outcome but there is very little data that specifies which underlying cancer puts this patient population at the highest risk.

Methods

We retrospectively collected de-identified data on 1115 cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and November 2020, at 12 centers in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. Patient characteristics including age, type of malignancy (hematologic malignancy [HM], lung cancer, and non-lung cancer were determined in association with severe illness as well as all-cause mortality within 30 days after COVID-19 diagnosis.

Results

By multivariable logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in cancer patients included age > 65 (OR 6.64; 95% CI 3.351to 12.55; p< 0.0001), ALC < 0.5 K/microliter (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.16 to 3.79; p=0.014), and anemia at < 10g/dl (OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.30 to 4.44; p=0.005). Among cancer patients, the 30-day mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with lung cancer than in patients with non-lung cancer solid tumors, including those with lung metastases (22% vs 9%; p=0.001). Patients with HM tended to have higher 30-day mortality than patients with non-lung cancer solid tumors (13% vs 9% p=0.07) and tended to have a lower mortality rate than patients with lung cancer (p=0.07). Furthermore, HM patients were more likely to be lymphopenic and anemic at diagnosis as well as progress to LRTI and be placed on ventilatory support compared to non-lung cancer solid tumor patients ( p= or < 0.01). In addition, lung cancer and HM patients were more likely to develop hypoxia and require hospital admission than non-lung cancer solid tumor patients ( p=0.01).

Conclusion

Lung cancer and HM patients are associated with the highest risk of progressing to severe disease and mortality in cancer patients with COVID-19. Hence, cancer patient population should be given the highest priority as far as prevention [vaccination with boosters if needed] as well as preemptive early therapy with monoclonal antibodies right after the onset of COVID-19.

Disclosures

Monica Slavin, MBBS,MD, F2G (Advisor or Review Panel member)Merck (Advisor or Review Panel member)Pfizer (Advisor or Review Panel member)

22. International Multicenter Study Comparing Cancer to Non-Cancer Patients with COVID-19: Impact of Risk Factors and Treatment Modalities on Outcome

Background

Given the limited collaborative international studies that evaluated COVID-19 in patients with cancer in comparison to patients without cancer, we aimed to determine the independent risk factors associated with increased 30-day mortality and the impact of novel treatment modalities in a large group of cancer and non-cancer patients with COVID-19 from multiple countries.

Methods

We retrospectively collected de-identified data on cancer and non-cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and November 2020, at 16 centers in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. A logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of all-cause mortality within 30 days after COVID-19 diagnosis.

Results

Of the total 4015 COVID-19 confirmed patients entered, we analyzed 3966 patients, 1115 cancer and 2851 non-cancer patients. Cancer patients were older than non-cancer patients (median age, 61 vs 50 years; p< 0.0001); more likely to be pancytopenic , had pulmonary disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus. In addition, they were more likely to present with higher inflammatory biomarkers (D-dimer, ferritin and procalcitonin), but were less likely to present with clinical symptoms. By multivariable logistic regression analysis, cancer was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.07; p=0.035). Older age (≥65 years) was the strongest predictor of 30-day mortality in all patients (OR 4.55; 95% CI 3.34 to 6.20; p< 0.0001). Remdesivir was the only therapeutic agent independently associated with decreased 30-day mortality (OR 0.58; CI 0.39-0.88; p=0.009). Among patients on low-flow oxygen at admission, patients who received remdesivir had a lower 30-day mortality rate than those who were on high flow oxygen (5.9% vs 17.6%; p=0.03). Patients transfused with convalescent plasma within 1 day of diagnosis had a lower 30-day mortality rate than those transfused later (1% vs 7%, p=0.04).

Conclusion

Cancer is an independent risk factor for increased 30-day all-cause mortality from COVID-19. Remdesivir, particularly in patients receiving low-flow oxygen, can reduce 30-day all-cause mortality, as well as convalescent plasma given early after COVID-19 diagnosis.

Disclosures

Roy F. Chemaly, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA, AiCuris (Grant/Research Support)Ansun Biopharma (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)Chimerix (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)Clinigen (Consultant)Genentech (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)Janssen (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)Karius (Grant/Research Support)Merck (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)Molecular Partners (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member)Novartis (Grant/Research Support)Oxford Immunotec (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)Partner Therapeutics (Consultant)Pulmotec (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)Shire/Takeda (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)Viracor (Grant/Research Support)Xenex (Grant/Research Support) Fareed Khawaja, MBBS, Eurofins Viracor (Research Grant or Support) Monica Slavin, MBBS,MD, F2G (Advisor or Review Panel member)Merck (Advisor or Review Panel member)Pfizer (Advisor or Review Panel member) Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis, MD, Astellas (Consultant)Cidara Therapeutics (Advisor or Review Panel member)Gilead Sciences (Consultant, Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, Honoraria)

357. A Comparison of Chest CT Findings in Cancer and Non-Cancer Patients with COVID-19

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare chest computed tomography (CT) scan findings in cancer versus non-cancer patients with COVID-19 infection. We sought to assess the correlation between radiologic patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia, clinical course, and outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of COVID-19 positive cancer and non-cancer pts who had chest CT scans at the time of diagnosis, at our hospital and 16 other centers in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America, between March, 2020 and November, 2020. Patients’ age, underlying diseases, symptoms, laboratory studies, and radiologic findings consisting of bilateral ground-glass opacities (GGOs), multifocal organizing pneumonia (MOP) were collected in association with clinical outcomes.

Results

We identified 426 pts with cancer and 622 non-cancer pts. Thereafter, cancer pts were analyzed into 3 distinct groups and similar to non-cancer pts: GGOs group (n=224, 54%), GGOs+MOP group (n=61, 14.6%), and a third group of neither GGOs or MOP (n=131, 31.4%) in cancer pts, and in non-cancer pts: GGOs group (n=387, 62.8%), GGOs +MOP group (n=100, 16.2%), and a third group of neither GGOs or MOP (n=129, 21%). The median patients’ age was 54 in non-cancer pts vs 62 in cancer pts (p< 0.001) and there were more males in the non-cancer group 57% vs 47% (p=0.001). Cough was more prevalent in non-cancer pts, 71% vs 59% (p< 0.001) and similar to fever (73% vs 57%, p< 0.001). Neutropenia < 0.5 k/µL and lymphocytopenia < 1 k/µL were more frequent in cancer pts (p< 0.001). In cancer pts, there was no statistically significance difference between the 3 groups (hospital admission, mechanical ventilation, readmission within 30 days, and mortality), except pts who required non-invasive (NI) ventilation were more frequent in the GGOs group, 55% (p=0.005). In non-cancer, pts with GGOs +MOP have higher hospital admission, ICU transfer, NI- and mechanical ventilation compared to the 2 other groups (p< 0.001). While readmission to hospital or mortality rate within 30 days were similar between the 3 groups.

Conclusion

This study reveals that non-cancer pts tended to have more radiologic findings on chest CT scan compared to cancer pts at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis and were associated with more worrisome COVID-19-related clinical outcomes.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported disclosures

542. Use of Bamlanivimab in Cancer Patients with Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19

Background

Bamlanivimab is a monoclonal antibody that was granted an emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration in November 2020 for patients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It initially showed promising results with decreasing hospitalizations and return emergency department visits in immunocompetent patients. We evaluated the role of bamlanivimab in the cancer patient population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective matched study of all cancer patients diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19 who received bamlanivimab in our acute cancer care center (ACCC) from December 2020 to February 2021. These patients were compared to a control group of cancer patients who presented to our ACCC and were diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19 from March to November 2020 before the introduction of bamlanivimab. Control patients were matched by age and underlying malignancy. All patients had a baseline oxygen saturation ≥ 94% and an absolute neutrophil count > 500 mm³. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcome that included COVID-related admissions, oxygen desaturation, ICU admission and 30-day mortality were compared in both groups.

Results

A total of 108 patients were analyzed with 54 patients in each group, of which 59% consisted of hematologic malignancies, and 33% were ≥ 65 years. The presenting symptoms were similar in both groups and mainly consisted of cough, fever, and dyspnea. Patients who received bamlanivimab were less likely to be admitted to the hospital (24% vs. 91%; p< 0.0001), experience oxygen desaturation < 94% during follow-up (11% vs 44%; p=0.0001), require oxygen supplement (7% vs. 44%; p< 0.0001), or be admitted to the ICU (4% vs 15%; p=0.046). No 30-day mortality was observed in the bamlanivimab group with 2 (4%) occurring in the control group. However, the difference was not significant.

Conclusion

Bamlanivimab decreased hospital and ICU admissions in cancer patients. In addition, bamlanivimab reduced oxygen requirement and the risk of hypoxia and progression to severe disease in this patient population.

Disclosures

Samuel L. Aitken, PharmD, MPH, BCIDP, Melinta Therapeutoics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant, Grant/Research Support

300. Long COVID in Cancer Patients: Preponderance of Symptoms in Majority of Patients Over Long Time Period

Background

An increasing number of observational studies have reported the persistence of symptoms following recovery from acute COVID-19 disease. The long-term consequences of COVID-19 are not fully understood and there is no clear consensus on the definition of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). The reported prevalence of PASC widely varies from 10% up to 87%. The purpose of this study is to assess PASC in cancer patients following acute COVID-19 recovery.

Methods

We assessed cancer patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center who were diagnosed with COVID-19 disease between March 1, 2020 and Sept 1, 2020. Using patient questionnaires and medical chart reviews we followed these patients from March 2020 till May 2021. Patient questionnaires were sent out remotely daily for 14 days after COVID-19 diagnosis then weekly for 3 months, and then monthly thereafter. Chart reviews were conducted for each patient hospital re-admission and emergency department visit. These admissions were classified as either COVID-19 related or non-related. The persistence or emergence of new COVID19-related symptoms were captured at each COVID-19 related admission.

Results

We included 312 cancer patients with a median age of 57 years (18-86). The majority of patients had solid tumors (75%). Of the 312 patients, 188 (60%) reported long COVID-19 symptoms with a median duration of 7 months and up to 14 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. The most common symptoms reported included fatigue (82%), sleep disturbances (78%), myalgias (67%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (61%), followed by headache, altered smell or taste, dyspnea (47%) and cough (46%). A higher number of females reported a persistence of symptoms compared to males (63% vs 37%; p=0.036). Cancer type, neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, and hospital admission during acute COVID-19 disease were comparable in both groups and did not seem to contribute to a higher number of long-COVID-19 patients in our study group.

Conclusion

Long-COVID occurs in 60% of cancer patients and may persist up to 14 months after acute illness. The most common symptoms are fatigue, sleep disturbance, myalgia and gastro-intestinal symptoms.

Disclosures

Fareed Khawaja, MBBS, Eurofins Viracor (Research Grant or Support)

356. The Role of Procalcitonin in Antimicrobial Stewardship Among Cancer Patients Admitted with COVID-19

Background

Procalcitonin (PCT) has been used to guide antimicrobial therapy in bacterial infections. With the wide spread use of empiric use of antibiotics in cancer patients admitted with COVID-19 disease, we aimed to evaluate the role of PCT in decreasing the duration of empiric antimicrobial therapy among cancer patients admitted with COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of cancer patients admitted to MD Anderson Cancer Center who had a PCT test done within 72 hours of admission following their COVID-19 diagnosis between March 1, 2020 and June 6, 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups of PCT < 0.25 ng/mL and PCT >=0.25 ng/mL. We assessed pertinent cultures including blood and respiratory, as well as antibacterial use and duration of empiric antibacterial therapy.

Results

We identified 544 patients with a median age of 62 years (range, 14-93). There were 312 (57%) patients that had at least one culture obtained from a sterile or infected site within 7 days following admission. None of the patients who had PCT< 0.25 had a positive culture whereas 41/111 (37%) patients with PCT >= 0.25 had at least one positive culture [P< 0.0001]. Among the 373 patients who had a PCT < 0.25, 129 (35%) patients received more than 72 hours of IV antibiotics compared to 87/171 (51%) among patients with PCT >=0.25 [P= 0.0003].

Conclusion

These results confirm the correlation between a PCT level greater than 0.25 and a documented bacterial infection. Furthermore, procalcitonin could be useful in enhancing antimicrobial stewardship in cancer patients with COVID-19 by reducing the duration of antimicrobial therapy beyond the initial empiric 72 hours until PCT results become available.

Disclosures

Natalie J Dailey Garnes, MD, MPH, AlloVir (Other Financial or Material Support, collaborator on research protocol)

1410. Isoniazid Therapy for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Patients with Cancer Treated with Checkpoint Inhibitors Immunotherapy

Background

Data on the efficacy and tolerability of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment in cancer patients receiving checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (CPI) is limited. We sought to assess LTBI therapy and its adverse events and outcomes in patients treated with CPI.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study at MD Anderson Cancer Center of adult patients, between April 2016 and May 2021, who were receiving CPI and were diagnosed with LTBI based on positive T-SPOT TB test. We then compared those patients treated with isoniazid (INH) 5mg/kg daily versus those that did not receive INH therapy.

Results

We identified 35 patients treated with CPI who had a diagnosis of LTBI. Patients were divided into 2 groups: CPI alone (23 patients, 65.7%) and CPI+INH (12 patients, 34.3%). The majority of patients in both groups had renal cell carcinoma (34.3%) and melanoma (17.1%). Nivolumab as monotherapy was the most commonly used CPI agent in both groups (37.1%), whereas nivolumab and ipilimumab combination was mainly used in the CPI group (34.7%) compared to CPI+INH group (8.3%). In the CPI+INH group, 7 patients (58.3%) developed moderate to severe hepatoxicity that led to discontinuation of INH and CPI therapy versus none in the CPI group (p= 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at baseline between both groups (p=0.117), whereas the median ALT level was significantly higher during CPI+INH therapy compared to CPI alone (135 U/L vs 24 U/L respectively, p=0.025. Furthermore, immune-related adverse events were reported in a total of 12 of 35 patients (34.2%). None of the patients in either group developed tuberculosis reactivation during a follow up period of up to 1148 days.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that latent tuberculosis reactivation is rare in cancer patients on CPI immunotherapy. Hepatotoxicity remains a concern in this patient population with LTBI treated with CPI and INH. With the widespread use of CPI, close laboratory and clinical monitoring is required to avoid life-threatening drug-induced liver injury and interruption of LTBI therapy and immunotherapy. Further clinical studies are warranted to determine the optimal management of LTBI during CPI therapy.

Disclosures

Pablo C. Okhuysen, MD, FACP, FIDSA, Deinove Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Ferring Pharmaceuticals (Consultant)Melinta Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Merck & Co. (Grant/Research Support)Napo Pharmaceuticals (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Research Grant or Support)Singulex (Consultant)Summit Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support) Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis, MD, Astellas (Consultant)Cidara Therapeutics (Advisor or Review Panel member)Gilead Sciences (Consultant, Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, Honoraria)

The role of procalcitonin in identifying high-risk cancer patients with febrile neutropenia: A useful alternative to the multinational association for supportive care in cancer score

Background

The Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) risk index has been utilized to determine the risk for poor clinical outcomes in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) in an emergency center (EC). However, this index comprises subjective elements and elaborated metrics limiting its use in ECs. We sought to determine whether procalcitonin (PCT) level (biomarker of bacterial infection) with or without lactate level (marker of inadequate tissue perfusion) offers a potential alternative to MASSC score in predicting the outcomes of patients with FN presenting to an EC.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 550 cancer patients with FN who presented to our EC between April 2018, and April 2019, and had serum PCT and lactate levels measured.

Results

Compared with patients with PCT levels <0.25 ng/ml, those with levels ≥0.25 ng/ml had a significantly higher 14‐day mortality rate (5.2% vs. 0.7%; p = 0.002), a higher bloodstream infection (BSI) rate, and a longer hospital length of stay (LOS). Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with PCT levels ≥0.25 ng/ml and lactate levels >2.2 mmol/L were more likely to be admitted and have an LOS >7 days, BSI, and 14‐day mortality than patients with lower levels. PCT level was a significantly better predictor of BSI than MASSC score (p = 0.003) or lactate level (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Procalcitonin level is superior to MASCC index in predicting BSI. The combination of PCT and lactate levels is a good predictor of BSI, hospital admission, and 14‐day mortality and could be useful in identifying high‐risk FN patients who require hospital admission.

Systematic review of major osteoporotic fracture to hip fracture incidence rate ratios worldwide: implications for Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX)-derived estimates

The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) is the most widely used tool for fracture prediction. It provides 10-year probabilities for hip and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF). It uses country-specific hip fracture incidence and life expectancy data, and for most countries, MOF/hip fracture incidence rate ratios (IRRs) from Malmo Sweden. However, the risk of MOF varies by age, sex, and geography. The objective is to compare the MOF/hip IRRs across countries, by sex and age. This systematic review targeted observational studies of MOF and hip fractures in individuals >50 years (PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019129259). One reviewer screened potential articles. Two reviewers completed duplicate and independent data abstraction, and assessed study quality based on population representativeness, study design and duration, definition of ethnicity, and fracture characteristics. We calculated the MOF/hip IRRs (95% confidence interval) and Z-values to compare IRRs in various countries to those for Sweden. We included 27 studies, of fair to good quality in the majority, from Europe (15), US and Canada (7), Asia (3), and Australia (2). The IRRs were twofold to 10-fold higher in younger compared to older age categories, and in women compared to men, with few exceptions. Within Europe, and using Sweden as a reference, MOF/Hip IRRs in women 50-54 years from Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, and UK were significantly lower by 38% to 60%. Findings were similar in men. At older ages, MOF/Hip IRRs were consistently lower in women from European countries compared to Sweden, by 10%-40% and 11%-51%, at 75-79 years and 85-89 years, respectively. Findings were heterogenous in men and in non-European countries. In conclusion, the MOF/hip fracture IRR may vary between countries. The variability at older ages may affect FRAX prediction when country-specific fracture IRRs are not used. Further research is needed to elucidate the implication of our findings to FRAX-derived MOF estimates in various countries. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Barriers, Attitudes and Clinical Approach of Lebanese Physicians Towards HPV Vaccination; A Cross- Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

HPV infection is associated with the development of cervical and oropharyngeal cancer. HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer, but is still not part of Lebanon's routine vaccination schedule. As such, understanding physicians' practice towards HPV vaccination is essential.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Greater Beirut, Lebanon to assess the barriers, attitudes and clinical approach of Lebanese physicians towards HPV vaccination. We also aimed to analyze the factors associated with physicians' barriers to HPV vaccination.

RESULTS

In total, 228 physicians completed the survey. Our results show that physicians and parents consider the cost of HPV vaccination to be a main barrier (58.9% and 80.7% respectively). Also, parents tend to have concerns about vaccine safety (78.1%), efficacy (68.6%), and lack education concerning HPV infection (81.8%). Furthermore, female physicians tend to have fewer barriers when compared to male physicians (aOR = 0.39; p-value = 0.007). Additionally, physicians who completed residency programs in the USA also showed fewer barriers when compared to physicians who completed Lebanese residency programs (aOR = 0.24; p-value = 0.040). Finally, physicians with higher knowledge score have fewer barriers when compared to those with lower knowledge scores (aOR = 0.42; p-value = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Physician gender, residency program and level of knowledge play a role in HPV vaccine barriers and recommendation in Lebanon. Future improvements in cost and awareness about HPV might improve vaccination rates. Creating uniform practices towards HPV vaccine is warranted to improve patient care.

Factors associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine recommendation by physicians in Lebanon, a cross-sectional study

Persistent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is associated with the development of cervical cancer, a leading cause of female death worldwide. In Lebanon, cervical cancer is the 6th most common cancer amongst girls and women aged 14-44 years. Cervical cancer is preventable through HPV vaccination; however, Lebanon does not include HPV vaccination in its national routine vaccination schedule. Hence, physician recommendation is key for patient vaccine uptake. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Beirut, Lebanon to assess factors affecting physician recommendation regarding HPV vaccination. Physicians practicing in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Pediatrics, Family Medicine and Infectious Diseases were included in the study. In total, 228 physicians completed the survey (28.79% response rate). The survey consisted of a set of demographic and HPV knowledge questions along with clinical vignettes. The vignettes presented theoretical patients who differed in gender, age, sexual activity, social background and whether the patient presented with his mother or not. The results show that physicians tend to recommend the vaccine more commonly for vignettes presenting female patients, with an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 6.8. Also, physicians were more likely to recommend the vaccine for vignettes with patients coming from a non-conservative background (AOR = 2.1), vignettes where patients claim to be sexually active (AOR = 2.7) and vignettes where patients presented with their mother (AOR = 1.4). Physicians tend to recommend the vaccine less in vignettes with married patients (AOR = 0.5). Physicians with higher knowledge scores recommended the vaccine more often (AOR = 3.4). Overall, OBGYN physicians recommended the vaccine less than pediatricians (AOR = 0.5). These results show that Lebanese physicians' recommendations rely on factors external to international guidelines. The results also highlight the importance of knowledge in adequate patient consultation. Thus, improved physician awareness towards international guidelines and physician education regarding HPV vaccination is essential in order to improve patient care in Lebanon.

Collagen remodelling by airway smooth muscle is resistant to steroids and β₂-agonists

Bi-directional interactions between airway smooth muscle (ASM) and the altered extracellular matrix (ECM) may influence airway wall remodelling and ASM function in asthma. We have investigated the capacity of cultured human ASM to reorganise the structure of three-dimensional collagen gels and the effects of endothelin (ET)-1 and agents used to treat asthma. Human ASM cells were cast in type I collagen gels. Reductions in gel area over 72 h were determined in the absence and presence of ET-1 and potential inhibitors, steroids and β₂-adrenoceptor agonists. Changes in gel wet weights and hydroxyproline content were measured and ASM gel morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Cell density-dependent reductions in gel area were augmented by ET-1, mediated via ET(A) receptors. This process was not associated with ASM contraction or proliferation, but was consistent with ASM tractional remodelling and migration leading to collagen condensation rather than collagen degradation within gels. The collagen remodelling by ASM was unaffected by salbutamol and/or budesonide. This study demonstrates an additional potential role for ASM in ECM regulation and dysregulation in airways disease that is resistant to steroids and β₂-adrenoceptor agonists. Therapy-resistant collagen condensation within ASM bundles may facilitate ECM-ASM interactions and contribute to increased internal airways resistance.

A comparison of the clinical, histopathologic, and ultrastructural phenotypes in carriers of X-linked and autosomal recessive Alport's syndrome

Previous series that described phenotypes in carriers of Alport's syndrome did not distinguish genetically between carriers of X-linked and autosomal recessive disease. In this study, modes of inheritance in unselected families with Alport's syndrome associated with two city and two provincial hospitals were determined using microsatellite markers, and carriers of disease haplotypes were identified within these families. All 47 carriers (100%) from 18 families with X-linked Alport's syndrome had dysmorphic hematuria on phase-contrast microscopy, but few developed renal failure (3 of 40 carriers; 8%), clinical hearing loss (2 of 45 carriers; 4%), retinopathy (1 of 30 carriers; 3%), or lenticonus (0 of 30 carriers; 0%). Eleven of the 14 carriers (79%) from 2 families with autosomal recessive disease had dysmorphic hematuria, but none had renal failure, clinical hearing loss, retinopathy, or lenticonus. Urinary red blood cell counts in carriers of X-linked Alport's syndrome were greater than those in carriers of autosomal recessive disease (P < 0.0001), but the frequency of proteinuria and hypertension and levels of proteinuria were not different. There was more tubulointerstitial damage in carriers of X-linked disease (P = 0.012); however, carriers of autosomal recessive disease had more widespread and more uniform thinning of the glomerular basement membrane (P < 0.0001) and less lamellation (P < 0.04).

COL4A4 mutation in thin basement membrane disease previously described in Alport syndrome

BACKGROUND

Carriers of autosomal-recessive and X-linked Alport syndrome often have a thinned glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and have mutations in the COL4A3/COL4A4 and COL4A5 genes respectively. Recently, we have shown that many individuals with thin basement membrane disease (TBMD) are also from families where hematuria segregates with the COL4A3/COL4A4 locus. This study describes the first COL4A4 mutation in an individual with biopsy-proven TBMD who did not have a family member with autosomal-recessive or X-linked Alport syndrome, inherited renal failure, or deafness.

METHODS

The index case and all available family members were examined for dysmorphic hematuria> 50,000/mL using phase contrast microscopy and for segregation of hematuria with the COL4A3/COL4A4 and COL4A5 loci using DNA satellite markers. COL4A4 exons from the index case were then studied using the enzyme mismatch cleavage method, and exons that demonstrated abnormal cleavage products were sequenced.

RESULTS

Hematuria in this family segregated with a haplotype at the COL4A3/COL4A4 locus (P = 0.031) but not with haplotypes at the COL4A5 locus. A mutation in COL4A4 that changed C to T resulting in an arginine residue being replaced by a stop codon (R1377X) was demonstrated in exon 44, which encodes part of the alpha 4(IV) collagen sequence close to the junction with the noncollagenous domain. This mutation was present in all five family members with hematuria, but not in the four unaffected family members, 33 unrelated individuals with TBMD, or 22 nonhematuric normals.

CONCLUSIONS

R1377X has been described previously in a compound heterozygous form of autosomal-recessive Alport syndrome. Our observation is evidence that TBMD can represent a carrier state for autosomal-recessive Alport syndrome in at least some individuals.

[Familial Romano-Ward syndrome. Apropos of 2 new observations]

BACKGROUND

Congenital long QT syndrome is rare, usually revealed by bouts of syncopal attacks secondary to effort or strong emotions, and more rarely by atypical epileptic crisis.

CASE REPORTS

We report a family history of two boys whose mother and grandmother both died suddenly a few days after delivery. The oldest child was 10 years old when admitted to hospital for recurrent loss of consciousness. Neurological examination and biological assays were normal; electrocardiography (ECG) revealed a prolonged QT interval of 0.59 seconds and episodes of torsades de pointe on the 24 hour ECG recording. The inefficacy of beta blocker treatment alone led to the implantation of a pacemaker; no recurrence has occurred since. The family investigation permitted to recognize the same syndrome in his asymptomatic 8-year-old brother for whom a prophylactic treatment was started.

CONCLUSION

Both cases remind us of the necessity to carry out systematically an ECG in every child seen for unexplained malaise related or not to stress or for an atypical epileptic crisis. This is the only way for an early diagnosis on which the entire prognosis depends.

Population dynamics of the Wolbachia infection causing cytoplasmic incompatibility in Drosophila melanogaster

Field populations of Drosophila melanogaster are often infected with Wolbachia, a vertically transmitted microorganism. Under laboratory conditions the infection causes partial incompatibility in crosses between infected males and uninfected females. Here we examine factors influencing the distribution of the infection in natural populations. We show that the level of incompatibility under field conditions was much weaker than in the laboratory. The infection was not transmitted with complete fidelity under field conditions, while field males did not transmit the infection to uninfected females and Wolbachia did not influence sperm competition. There was no association between field fitness as measured by fluctuating asymmetry and the infection status of adults. Infected field females were smaller than uninfecteds in some collections from a subtropical location, but not in other collections from the same location. Laboratory cage studies showed that the infection did not change in frequency when populations were maintained at a low larval density, but it decreased in frequency at a high larval density. Monitoring of infection frequencies in natural populations indicated stable frequencies in some populations but marked fluctuations in others. Simple models suggest that the infection probably provides a fitness benefit for the host in order to persist in populations. The exact nature of this benefit remains elusive.